As Halloween approaches, local authorities are reminding residents to keep fire safety in mind during celebrations. The holiday is known for costumes, decorations, and activities that can also present potential fire hazards if proper precautions are not taken.
Officials recommend selecting costumes that do not have long, trailing fabric to reduce the risk of catching fire. For children wearing masks, they advise ensuring the eye holes are large enough for clear vision. It is also suggested that children carry flashlights or glow sticks as part of their costumes to improve visibility.
Decorations such as dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Residents are urged to keep these items away from open flames and heat sources like light bulbs and heaters. When illuminating jack-o-lanterns, the use of battery-operated candles or glow sticks is encouraged. If real candles are used, extra caution should be exercised by supervising children closely and using long matches or utility lighters to light them. Lit pumpkins should be placed far from anything combustible and out of walkways and yards frequented by trick-or-treaters.
Authorities stress the importance of keeping exits clear of decorations to avoid blocking escape routes in case of an emergency. Ensuring all smoke alarms in the home are functioning properly is another key safety measure.
Children should be taught to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles inside them. They should also know how to respond if their clothing catches fire by stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over repeatedly until the flames are extinguished.
For those attending Halloween parties at others’ homes, it is advised that children identify possible exits and plan how they would leave in an emergency.
According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), decorations were the first item ignited in over 800 reported home fires each year. Nearly one-third of these incidents were started by a candle.
